aThe more time I've spent writing about vintage handhelds here at RH, the more I see that I'm becoming known as the person who writes about the clones. When purchasing something else from a retail marketplace such as AliExpress, the low-priced entries are so low that you can say, "Screw it." In that rough, diamonds can be found. The Powkiddy V90 is one example that demonstrates that a cheap entrance fee does not preclude a respectable experience. But you have to dig through some coal to find these diamonds.

Cloning what the other guy has succeeded with is part of the game in emulation handhelds. These designs, chipsets, user considerations, etc., have all been observed. Presenting the D-R35Plus from SZDiier. The successful R35 and R36S series from Game Console, which have established themselves as incredibly competent gadgets at a very cheap consumer price point, are copied in design and naming style.

The Powkiddy and Anbernic devices were imitated by the R35S and R36S, respectively. Many people, including myself, saw this news and thought it was a hardware update for the R36S that would give it a more streamlined and elegant look. Let's get straight to the point. It isn't. Compared to the original, this replica is not nearly as sharp.

The Lineage

Most likely, SZDiier is best known for the D007 handheld, which has been circulating on different deal websites for years. It was precisely this kind of e-waste that gave emulation a poor reputation for so long. Cheap plastics meet shit components, sloppy ROM dumps, and poor operating systems. Most of these gadgets provide what is stated in vast collections in one location, which is the finest compliment you can give them. However, if you don't know any better, it's a bad experience that will make you question whether these games have aged poorly.

This device's dubious marketing aims to make you believe it is everything it isn't. "Games Console" is the primary logo on the D-R35Plus's packaging. Take note of the S. "Game Console," which is comically misprinted as "Game Consoie" in the first device runs, is the rival from which it is stealing. Everything about the device's branding is intended to give the impression that it is a technological update for the R36S. This system and firm have nothing to do with the devices it is copying if you only remember one thing from this essay.

The Internals

Contrary to popular belief, this device is not powered by the RK3326 processor. The D-R35Plus's chip is the VT569B (a Cortex-A7 is listed on the packaging). This chip was created at some point for an unidentified virtual reality use case. There was an oversupply of chips someplace, as was frequently the case in the world of Famiclones in the past. Why not simply create a low-cost handheld device? To be clear, the RK3326 is far more potent than this chip. Any advertisements claiming it performs on par with any 3326 device are false. You are being lured and duped, dear customer.

Between the two analog sticks is a single mono speaker on the D-R35Plus. It just sounds like bullshit. I experimented with numerous games and systems. The poor simulation experience caused some audible cracks and breaks in the audio, which the speaker exacerbated. Everything that emerges from this apparatus sounds incredibly loud. No volume setting appeared to resolve this problem. I'm not inclined to attempt because of the poor quality elsewhere.

I was optimistic about the screen. Particularly considering the outstanding quality discovered in more affordable models such as the R35/36S and the Miyoo Mini in recent years. Technology has advanced to the point where these displays are inexpensive for businesses yet offer a top-notch experience. With SZDiier, such is not the case! The devices it attempts to imitate are far more potent than this "3.5 inch, high-definition 640/480 IPS screen." It all appears worse. Perhaps software is to blame for part of this. However, the screen now looks its best when it is off. According to promotional films, this has a "3.5 480*360 display," which I believe we have here.

The Experience

The D-pad is bigger than handhelds of the same size. Furthermore, it's not what you call premium, but it's generally acceptable. The bubble-style buttons are also more prominent and more noticeable than other devices. Although they don't feel unique, they are entirely serviceable and offer genuine comfort. Some of these items include shoulder buttons I'm unsure who designed. However, these can be just as loud and clicky as those seen on other cheapos.

I don't know why this device even has analog sticks besides a few PS1 games. It cannot handle PSP, N64, etc., and can hardly competently present PS1. It's good to use a stick for older systems released before they were invented. However, they serve the same purpose as the rest of the D-R35Plus: to give the impression that the gadget is something it is not. They use additional dishonest methods to obtain your money.

They say the operating system is a locked version of Android. You would have to go back quite a bit to locate a version that allows output at this resolution, though I'm not sure which. It feels like a cheesy knockoff of Emulation Station, regardless of what powers it. Navigating through the numbered ROM collections is a complete pain. Additionally, the OS is arguably the device's worst feature.

Despite the dubious corporate practices and everything else, I am willing to forgive a lot for some community firmware. Modified firmware will likely be installed on the D-R35Plus. Only in 2024 the public won't be interested in a gadget this egregiously weak and cumbersome. With no control, the device's choices panel practically teases the user.

The Conclusion

This area is dedicated to Wild West hobbies. Chinese businesses will continue to look for ways to profit from other people's success by snagging the margins of their achievements. The design, development, marketing, and release of this device were not done in good faith. By misleadingly appealing to your interest in vintage handhelds, this gadget is here to steal your money.